WASHINGTON — As Hyundai thefts continue to spike across the nation, the company is offering car owners new ways to stay protected.
From July 27 through July 31 Hyundai is hosting a free - no appointment needed - mobile service center on Lot 8 at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.
Hyundai owners from all over the DMV are welcome to attend and have the latest anti-theft technology installed in their vehicle at no cost.
Below is a list of models eligible for security upgrades.
| 2018-2022 Accent | 2020-2021 Palisade | 2011-2022 Tucson |
| 2011-2022 Elantra | 2013-2022 Santa Fe | 2012-2017 & 2019-2021 Veloster |
| 2013-2020 Elantra GT | 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport | 2020-2021 Venue |
| 2013-2014 Genesis Coupe | 2019 Santa Fe XL | |
| 2018-2022 Kona | 2011-2019 Sonata |
These particular models were made without immobilizers, allowing for keyless start and easy hotwiring ability.
"What the immobilizer does is, typically, if there's no key present in the ignition, the engine shouldn’t start. But these cars did not have that immobilizer. And that's why they became much easier to break into," said Patrick Olsen, CARFAX editor-in-chief.
In response, the automakers released technology updates but many cars have yet to get this free fix. CARFAX estimates more than 4.9 million owners are still vulnerable to theft including 100,000 vehicles in Maryland and 67,000 vehicles in Baltimore.
"There are two approaches. One is there's a software upgrade that makes the alarm work longer, lasts longer. And if the car doesn't have an alarm, they provide a steering wheel walk. So even if the car gets started, it can't be driven away," Olsen said. "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decided not to issue a recall because immobilizers are not required by federal safety standards, so that's why there's not a recall in this case."
And if drivers need more incentive to act quickly, Olsen said a stolen car could impact resale value.
“We estimate at CARFAX that a car that has been stolen and later put up for sale takes about a $400 hit to the value of that car," Olsen added.
Certain Kia models have also been targeted by thieves over the same security issue. A Kia spokesperson said a similar event was held in D.C. earlier this year and they're planning another one in Atlanta next month. Drivers can also schedule an appointment with a local dealer. The process takes less than 30 minutes.
Both car companies recently agreed to settle a $200 million class action lawsuitwith customers who've been affected by the thefts.
